The interview: Azimut | Benetti Group’s Marco Valle on evolving yacht design for Asia and beyond

Despite the design-forward, laid-back surrounds of the Azimut Grande Trideck 38M’s lounge—with its built-in sweep of a sofa, luxuriant panelling, modestly futuristic furniture, and the undulating curvatures of its walls, window and ceiling, Marco Valle, CEO of Azimut | Benetti Group, is on the edge of his seat. Not with anxiety, mind you; more with anticipation, perhaps—of the forthcoming 44-metre Azimut flagship to be unveiled later this year; of the next 30 offices to be launched in Asia; of the next 150 years of the Benetti story.

The plush, nautically white sofa can’t contain his energy; nor can the present interview, which spills at once into past and future, almost interchangeably: “We had a great year in 2024, because we started and finished with great numbers of boats delivered. And that’s what it’s supposed to be: high satisfaction from any kind of market, and with a great backlog that will give us the bright future we need today. Think about the future!”

It’s hard to reconcile Valle’s drive, energy and animation with an industry given over to meandering cruises, languid sojourns by an unspoilt cove, setting down anchor in the seclusion of a private isle. Harder still to imagine him contained—even on the four-level Grande Trideck—for any serious length of time. 

In the space of 30 minutes, his conversation moves from Asia to the Mediterranean, from design to technology to tariffs, from lifestyle to desire—and to the future of building superyachts for the world’s most demanding clients.

Marco Valle, CEO of Azimut | Benetti Group. (Shot by Jin Cheng Wong). Top: Azimut Grande Trideck 38M interiors designed by Achille Salvagni. (Shot by Jin Cheng Wong).

Boulevard: What would you say differentiates Azimut | Benetti from other yacht builders?

Marco Valle: Azimut has been in the market for more than 50 years, and Benetti for more than 150 years. We have the widest range ever with these two brands: we produce, develop and sell boats ranging from 40 feet up to over 100 metres. Azimut is sportier and more elegant, while Benetti is a more classic, high-luxury yacht brand.

Blvd: Could you talk us through your collaborations with designers and architects—on the Azimut Grande Trideck, for example?

Valle: The Azimut Grande Trideck 38M is the brand’s current flagship; but the future flagship will be the 44M. We collaborate with various designers depending on the model we’re launching, the brand’s direction for each project and the trends and preferences of today’s clientele. The Trideck, in particular, has exteriors by Alberto Mancini and interiors by Achille Salvagni. 

The new 44-metre yacht, on the other hand, will feature interiors by m2atelier from Milan, with exterior design still by Alberto Mancini. I can’t reveal too much as it hasn’t been released yet, but it has many new features, especially on the aft deck, where we’ve created a beach area—a space you can enjoy like an outdoor cinema—without compromising the interiors.

Azimut Grande Trideck 38M. (Image: Azimut | Benetti Group).

Blvd: How have clients’ expectations changed over the years—as well as how they use the boats?

Valle: In the past, boats in this region were mostly used for business and formal occasions. Today, the new generation uses them differently. Many have studied abroad and travel often, so they approach boating in a more informal, relaxed way—just as they do with other aspects of their lives. The culture and mindset have changed, and we adapt to that. Even in the Trideck, you’ll see more casual spaces, like a relaxed dining area, because life itself has become more informal.

Previously, geographical and cultural factors shaped how we designed boats for specific markets—layouts were adapted depending on whether a yacht was going to China, Mexico or the Middle East. Today, residential design has a stronger influence, and younger clients who travel widely are more open to contemporary, modern styles.

That said, there isn’t just one interior style that works everywhere. For example, we have a very successful model designed by a New York studio—rather than an Italian one—that’s been sold globally across different cultures. So ultimately, we follow broader social trends while still offering diverse design choices.

The Trideck features an illuminated staircase, with direct access to the lower deck. (Shot by Jin Cheng Wong).

Blvd: Many sectors faced a tough climate in 2024. How was the year for you, and what do you see ahead?

Valle: To be honest, it was still a great year for us. We started and ended the year with excellent delivery numbers, strong customer satisfaction across all markets, and a solid backlog that gives us confidence for the future. We’re here in Asia because we see this market growing faster than many others. In recent years, the Middle East has also expanded significantly for us, with strong activity in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.

We see similar momentum building here in Asia. New markets are opening up, and the number of large yachts we sold and delivered last year was remarkable—probably unmatched. We now have more than 200 Azimut dealers and over 30 offices across Asia, covering China, Singapore, Sydney, New Zealand, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, and of course, Hong Kong.

Benetti M/Y Asani B.Now 50M. (Image: Azimut | Benetti Group).

Blvd: How is technology changing the onboard experience? Is it something guests don’t really notice but that you’re constantly innovating behind the scenes?

Valle: We invest a lot in technology, especially in ways that make life easier for the owner. This includes features that improve the experience when using the boat—whether it’s self-operated, enhancing comfort on board, reducing vibration and noise, or lowering energy consumption. For example, at Benetti, we’re developing ways to protect windows from UV rays, which have a big impact. Many people think mainly about fuel burned while moving, but since a yacht spends about 80% of its time at anchor, the generator is always running.

So there are two main goals: reducing air conditioning consumption and increasing battery power. This is possible with full hybrid or pure electric systems on board. We create tailored solutions for each yacht depending on its size, as our range goes from 40 feet to over 100 metres. For each model, we design specific systems to reduce consumption and emissions, while meeting the top priority—onboard comfort.

The M/Y Asani features an Oasis Sundeck, which provides additional space for entertainment by the water’s edge. (Image: Azimut | Benetti Group).

Blvd: Where do you get inspiration when creating a new flagship? What do you keep from the brand’s heritage and current line, and what do you push forward?

Valle: As I said before, we have two brands, and we have a clear idea of the target we want to reach, which is our typical client profile. Of course, this is changing, as a 25-year-old today is not the same as someone my age, so we have to evolve with society. When creating a new product, we’re inspired by what’s happening outside the industry.

People no longer see a boat as just a boat—it’s now an extension of their lifestyle. It reflects their homes, holiday villas, resorts, even their cars. When people see something beautiful elsewhere, they want it on board too. That’s why we look to trends outside yachting. For example, Milan Design Week is important for us because it shows what’s new in residential design, hotels and beyond—and these ideas often find their way onto our boats. Of course, we adapt them to fit the constraints of sailing and being at sea, so the challenge is to blend lifestyle inspiration with the technical needs of a yacht.

Blvd: Lastly, what are you still learning in the space of yachting? 

Valle: I’m learning every day. All the feedback we receive from the people we meet every day is a real treasure for us that we can use in the future.

Read next:

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